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5 reasons why breastfeeding is healthy

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Breastfeeding has beneficial effects for the health of the baby, but also for the mother. Breast milk provides the baby with ideal nutrition, supports the growth and development of the infant. If you overcome all the barriers and manage to breastfeed your baby, you have only advantages.

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Breast milk is the perfect food for your baby. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it provides the child with all the nutrients it needs in the first months. It continues to provide up to half of the child’s nutritional needs in the second half of the first year and up to a third in the second year. Moreover, the WHO draws attention to the fact that “almost 2 out of 3 infants are not exclusively breastfed during the recommended 6 months”. Breastfeeding consultant Georgeta Mușat supports the WHO data: “As professionals, we know that breastfeeding rates do not reach the best rates in the world. Experts estimate that the pandemic would have contributed dramatically to the reduction of the number of breastfed children and then, protecting breastfeeding becomes a responsibility of each of us: through the power of example or through sustained support. All mothers give their children the best in life, starting with breastfeeding. We know that it is not always possible, but it is our duty of honor to try. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months and its continuation, concurrent with the diversification process for 1 year and beyond, as mutually desired by mother and baby.”

It reduces the mother’s stress

When you breastfeed, your body releases oxytocin, a hormone that stimulates lactation and reduces the level of stress hormones in the blood. Also, as long as you hold your baby in your arms and even half an hour after that, your stress hormone level is low, which also keeps you away from anxiety states.

Increases attention on the child

According to a study by some American researchers, regarding the mother’s sensitivity to the crying of the child she is nursing, it was observed that there is a connection between the breastfed baby and a greater ability of mothers to respond to his needs. In their case, there are areas of the brain that activate as soon as the baby starts crying.

Syncs you with baby

Some breastfeeding moms notice that they get hungry or sleepy at the same time as their babies. It is not a coincidence! According to a study by researchers from the University of San Francisco, they chemically synchronize with their children, which is called regulation of the limbic system. This process happens because feeding the child influences and stimulates lactation.

It makes you more protective

A team of American researchers from the University of California studied the behavior of 3 groups of women: 20 without children, 18 mothers who were breastfeeding and 17 mothers who were not breastfeeding. Out of all, the 18, provoked by accomplices of the scientists, you promptly defended your children. This behavior is common in mammals, when they are nursing their young.

Promotes weight loss

Breastfeeding can help you shed the pounds you gained during pregnancy more easily, along with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Breast milk is rich in fat, and the child takes these calories, which the mother no longer accumulates in the body. Some mothers do not manage to lose weight so quickly, because lactation leads to the release of hormones that influence the digestion process. In some, they accelerate the metabolism, and in others they do not act.

Remember!

According to breastfeeding consultant Georgeta Mușat, “if you have difficulties with feeding your baby at the breast, don’t hesitate to ask, and if you are going to give birth, consider breastfeeding as the ideal way to feed your baby.”

Expert advice

Georgeta Mușat, midwife, trainer & breastfeeding consultant, Breastfeeding Academy Association

In times of crisis, we see how valuable breastfeeding is. In the case of premature babies fed with breast milk, they enjoy significant benefits regarding multiple protection and better development (documented results of comparative studies). Breastfeeding saves lives, prevents infections, eases illness, relieves pain, soothes, makes sleep sweet and connects mother and baby in a very special way. And, a secret, fathers are also very happy and proud when the baby is breastfed. Breastfeeding is ideal for the baby, strengthening its immunity, helps brain development, reduces the risks of illness for the mother-child and last but not least, it is economical and ecological.

How pregnant women can prevent summer discomfort

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A mother-to-be has every reason to enjoy the summer months, especially since she will have the diversity of maternity clothes, the market stalls that will be full of fresh vegetables and fruits, and the beautiful weather. In order to avoid various inconveniences that may occur during the heat wave, pregnant women must take into account some recommendations.

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Proper hydration

The body will eliminate fluids, and exposure to the sun can cause dehydration or exhaustion. In addition, the body temperature is slightly higher in pregnant women than normal, which will cause the heat wave to produce discomfort. You can maintain a suitable body temperature by regularly consuming liquids (2 liters), such as water, orange juice, milk, but also drinks with electrolytes – those that supplement the intake of vitamins and minerals eliminated through sweat. Pregnant women can also consume fruits and vegetables rich in water (melons, cucumbers).

Read also: How to control your weight during pregnancy! “We don’t have to eat for two!”

The right clothes and accessories

During the summer, pregnant women absolutely need a hat, glasses and a sun umbrella, but especially loose clothes, made of airy and light materials and comfortable shoes, half a size bigger than usual . Quality fabrics let the skin breathe, help maintain a normal body temperature and prevent the development of irritations under the breasts and abdomen, otherwise a common problem faced by pregnant women. There are many models of swimsuits for pregnant women, the recommended ones are one-piece ones that protect most of the body. To prevent chafing of the inner thighs, it is recommended to massage them with a little coconut oil.

How excessive sweating can be prevented

If possible, pregnant women should at all costs avoid being in the sun between 10:00 and 17:00, when the ultraviolet rays are strongest. Summer heat can worsen the problem of sweating during pregnancy. It is recommended that pregnant women do not stay in the same place for too long, in the sun. Some solutions would be walking, turning the paw of each foot 8 times, taking a break between 30 and 60 minutes a day, reducing the salt consumption in the diet, but also avoiding the administration of diuretics. Swimming is the preferred physical activity for pregnant women, because it can protect them from the heat, the problem of sweating and the pressure of the belly.

Beware of body lotions!

Due to hormonal changes, the skin becomes much more sensitive and can burn very easily. It is good for pregnant women to avoid products with oxybenzone, an ingredient found in many sunscreens, body lotions, lip balms or lip glosses, as it helps other chemicals to be absorbed into the skin and subsequently appear in the blood flow. In addition, this chemical is known to damage cells in the body.

The International Agency for Research on Carcinogens states that titanium dioxide is another possibly carcinogenic substance when inhaled in large quantities. For this reason, pregnant women should avoid sprays as skin care products.

Advice

In the case of sunburn, products containing lidocaine (trade name: xylocaine), a local anesthetic that “cools” the skin, should be avoided. Aloe vera gel or oil from this plant can be applied, as it is suitable for skin irritations or sunburns.

See why you need to take care of your baby

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Having a baby is perhaps the most anticipated moment of your life. In addition to the special time spent together, with joys, but also with a lot of stress, you must have at hand some essential products for his well-being.

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Clean his face

Cleaning the eyes, nose, mouth and even the ears is done by means of compresses on which physiological serum is applied. It has more uses than we can imagine, being essential for both humans and animals.

Saline is a mixture of water and sodium chloride. The latter chemical is actually the table salt that we consume in our daily diet.

Therefore, for the hygiene of the baby’s face, the physiological serum must be found both in your home and when you go on a trip.

Take care of delicate skin

For the slightly irritated skin under the baby’s diaper, after preliminary cleaning with water or special wet wipes for small ones, apply a cream, such as sudocrem, which forms a protective layer against unpleasant irritations.

The rest of the body should also be protected and intensively moisturized with a special dermatological cream for babies or one suitable for the whole family. Regarding the specific irritations of the baby’s skin, you can also test thermal water with a calming effect, which also has a cooling role during the summer.

Use antiseptics

Preventing unwanted infections can be done with antiseptic solutions from the pharmacy, such as betadine or baneocin. They can be used, according to the indications from the maternity ward or received from the pediatrician, for the umbilical stump, following the creation of holes in the ears, wounds, etc.

They are products that act gently on the baby’s delicate skin, helping to prevent and reduce the risks of infection.

Give him his daily dose of Vitamin D

Vitamin D is absolutely necessary for your baby to prevent a disease called rickets, which can lead to bone health problems. As babies do not eat foods rich in vitamin D and are not exposed to the sun, you will have to give them this vitamin, in the form of drops. Most likely, you are already familiar with the term Vigantol, which is given to infants from the second week of life. So, don’t forget your daily dose of vitamin D!

It relieves the effects of colic

The existing treatments on the pharmaceutical market for the relief of colic in babies are more and more diversified. It is administered on several consecutive days, usually before each meal, taking into account the indications on the leaflet or the pediatrician.

Colic can occur for many reasons, from the slow development of the digestive system, incorrect feeding, the diet of the mother, to the temperament of the baby. Therefore, if you see him agitated all the time, if he cries often for no other reason and brings his legs to his abdomen accompanied by whimpers, we are most likely talking about the existence of colic. It’s time to try to relieve these discomforts with kebene.

You can also use white sounds, warm baths, light massages or comfort and positioning on your tummy. This stressful time will pass for the baby as well as for you.

Help him with his constipation

Another possible problem, by the way, quite common among infants, is the occurrence of constipation. It is good to know that he does not have to have a stool every day, especially if feeding is done mainly with breast milk.

If three or more days pass, it will be necessary to make his mission easier. Use micro enemas or special suppositories for babies, which have a fairly quick effect and thus your baby will get rid of this stress.

As a tip, test as many milk powder formulas as possible, under the conditions that you use it to feed him. It is very likely that this is the main cause of constipation.

In conclusion, your baby should have his own care kit, as well as other treatments agreed upon after discussions with your regular pediatrician.

Photo source: Shutterstock.com

How do you recognize myopia in a child? Doctor’s advice

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Have you noticed that your little one squints when looking at the TV screen or has trouble understanding what is written on the blackboard at school? They may suffer from myopia, one of the most common childhood vision problems.

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Myopia can affect your child’s daily activities. Left untreated, the inability to see distant objects clearly can worsen with age. Therefore, the disease must be diagnosed and treated as early as possible. Controlling the progression of the disease can improve long-term eye health and reduce the risk of more serious eye conditions in adulthood. If you are worried that you might suffer from myopia, find out what symptoms this disease gives, what are the causes and treatment options!

Recognize myopia from the first symptoms

Myopia is a common vision condition. According to specialist ophthalmologist Călin Edward Florian, it is a disease in which “nearby objects are seen clearly, but the most distant ones are blurred. This occurs when the eye focuses light rays incorrectly, in front of the retina, instead of focusing them on the retina’. The doctor notes that symptoms include blurred vision when the child looks into the distance, the need to partially close the eyelids to see clearly, headaches caused by eye strain. A child with myopia sits closer to screens, prefers a seat in front of the blackboard at school, ignores distant objects, blinks or rubs his eyes frequently.

Why does it appear?

A process known as emmetropization leads to the precise development of the correct focusing power of the cornea and lens so that the entire eye is in perfect focus. The mechanisms that disrupt this process in myopia still remain obscure. Doctor Călin Edward Florian explained: “The eye has 2 transparent structures, which work like lenses, with a role in focusing images on the retina: the cornea and the lens. The cornea has a curved shape and forms the front surface of the eye. The lens is inside the eye. In a normally shaped eye, images are focused on the retina. When the eyeball is longer than normal or when the surface of the cornea has a greater curvature, images will focus improperly in front of the retina, and distant objects appear blurry. Myopia is a refractive error like hypermetropia or astigmatism’.

How to prevent and treat myopia?

Ophthalmological experts suggest that moderate exposure to sunlight has a positive impact on myopia and overall eye health. A recent study conducted at the University of Waterloo shows that those children who spent an extra hour outdoors per week reduced their risk of developing myopia by 14%. If myopia is diagnosed, doctor Călin Florian claimed that “the goal of treatment is to improve vision either through the use of corrective lenses, which counteract the increased length of the eye or the increased curvature of the cornea (glasses or contact lenses), or through interventions of refractive surgery’.

Read also: How to properly treat a pitcher

Expert advice

Dr. Călin Edward Florian, ophthalmology specialist

For children and adolescents, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends eye exams at 6 months and 3 years, during the first year of school and every 2 years during the school years. Myopia can be diagnosed through an eye exam that includes an evaluation of visual acuity and eye refraction. He can administer drops to dilate the pupils and assess the overall health of the eye or to accurately determine the refractive error (in children, adolescents and young adults). A rare condition commonly seen in patients with high myopia is retinal detachment. This is a medical emergency where response time is critical. It is manifested by bright flashes, the sudden appearance of multiple floating spots in the field of vision, a shadow like a curtain superimposed over the field of vision.

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Infections that can endanger the pregnancy

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Infections that cause mild or moderate symptoms in the expectant mother can have serious consequences for the unborn child. They are also a major cause of congenital malformations, so you should know them and know how to prevent them.

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Certain infections can harm the fetus. Photo: Shutterstock

It is important that all women who are either pregnant or planning to become pregnant do the indicated tests and be aware of the different pathogens that can lead to pregnancy loss or congenital malformations. That is why it is recommended that women who are thinking of becoming pregnant get the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine 3 months before conception or immediately after becoming pregnant. In addition, vaccines against influenza, tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis are all safe during pregnancy and are recommended.

Cytomegalovirus infection

This type of infection is common at birth and increases the risk that the baby will suffer from congenital cytomegalovirus. Most children infected with this virus at birth have no symptoms. The symptoms that do appear are: low birth weight, abnormally small head and incomplete brain development, jaundice, enlargement of the liver and spleen, inflammation of the retina. Most infants who have these signs of the disease may have long-term neurological problems, such as hearing or vision loss, developmental disorders. Congenital cytomegalovirus infection increases the risk of diabetes, thyroid disease, osteoporosis.

RUBELLA

Rubella virus infection during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, is very serious. Complications include miscarriage, premature birth or even fetal death. Congenital rubella syndrome leads to eye, ear and heart defects, incomplete brain development, autism, mental and motor retardation. If the infection occurs in the first 11 weeks of pregnancy, there is a 90% risk that the baby will be born with congenital rubella syndrome, and after 20 weeks, the rate drops to 20%.

Herpes

Herpes infection can lead to miscarriage, prematurity or low birth weight of the baby. If it occurs towards the end of pregnancy it can lead to microcephaly, inflammation of the retina, skin rashes and hydrocephalus, a condition characterized by excessive fluid accumulation in the brain. This results in an abnormal enlargement of spaces in the brain called ventricles. The risk of such devastating consequences of herpes virus infection can be reduced by taking an antiviral drug in the last month of pregnancy if the expectant mother has experienced a first episode of genital herpes during pregnancy.

Toxoplasmosis

Caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, toxoplasmosis is common in areas of the world that have warm, humid climates and low altitudes. It is also a parasitic infection spread mostly by cats. If you are pregnant and have a cat, avoid cleaning its litter box. Other recommendations include avoiding uncooked or partially cooked meat. Wash your hands thoroughly after touching uncooked meat and wash all utensils and dishes used in preparing the meat. Also, drink water only from safe sources and wear gloves when gardening. Toxoplasmosis infection can be transmitted to the fetus, even in the absence of symptoms, and can lead to miscarriage, the death of the baby or birth defects.

Read also: What are Torch analyzes and in what quarter are they done

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70% of newborns with toxoplasmosis who receive prompt treatment in the first year of life develop normally

Expert advice

Dr. Andreas Vythoulkas, specialist in obstetrics-gynecology, with overspecialization in infertility

In pregnancy, immunity is lower because this defense system must be less aggressive in order not to reject the new host organism. Therefore, the risk of illness is greater for the expectant mother, but the fetus is also exposed, to which infections can be transmitted through the placenta or during birth. Those that develop during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, premature labor or birth defects in the baby. The good news is that infections can be prevented by regular hand washing, proper heat preparation of meat, avoiding the consumption of unpasteurized dairy products. If you own a cat, delegate another family member to clean the litter box to avoid the risk of infection with Toxoplasma gondii.

Heart diseases that teenagers can face and how to spot them

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If you have noticed that your teenager complains of chest pain, constantly, then it is possible that he is suffering from cardiovascular disease. And what else can make a parent’s heart skip a beat than when their child tells them they have chest pains?

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However, these types of pain can also hide other things or conditions and are not the cause of only cardiovascular disease. For this reason, it is best to consult a cardiologist which will confirm whether you should worry or not.

Cardiovascular diseases are diseases of the heart and blood vessels and are mostly considered to be diseases of the elderly. Despite this, they are quite common among children, teenagers or young adults, which means they can occur at any age.

Most of the time, young people, especially teenagers, do not realize that they are prone to such risks and do not take measures to prevent cardiovascular diseases.

The best way to prevent them is to be informed about what they mean and what their symptoms are, so you can detect them in time.

Ideally, teenagers and young adults too should have routine check-ups periodically to make sure everything is fine with their health. In most cases, prevention is less expensive than treatment and certainly less painful.

Obesity and overweight are some of the most common causes that can produce heart disease, especially among teenagers, but also the consumption of fast food, alcohol, tobacco or an unhealthy diet and lack of exercise.

Stress is also a factor that contributes to the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases, but also a disordered lifestyle, such as insufficient sleep or lack of physical activities.

When we talk about children or adolescents, some of the most common conditions are congenital, such as atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect, tetralogy of Fallot, etc.) and the signs of these conditions are very little obvious.

If, usually in adults, pain in the chest area rather indicates a cardiovascular disease, among children or teenagers the causes can be various.

Symptoms of heart disease in children and adolescents

To detect a possible heart disease in your child, before going to the doctor, notice if he has any of the following symptoms:

– A bluish tint to the skin, especially around the mouth (cyanosis), especially when it exerts itself during running, crying, coughing or sucking, in infants;

– Difficult breathing;

– Fatigue;

– Nausea;

– Cold sweats;

– Edema of the limbs;

– Delay in growth and development;

– Agitation;

– Chest pain lasts more than 3-5 days and is repeated;

To avoid any suspicion, the best method is to take your child to periodic routine check-ups, because myocardial infarction can occur even at the age of 20, if it is not detected in time.

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Has your child taken up smoking? Here’s what can help!

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Entourage, fear or the desire to prove that they can be independent are among the causes that lead young people to start smoking. What is worse is that 90% of smokers in Romania acquired this habit from a young age.

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Children are not aware of the dangers of smoking. Photo: Shutterstock

In our country, more than half of teenagers under 16 smoke. Most smoke more than a pack a day and are indifferent to the possible health problems that nicotine can cause. But what are the reasons that lead young people to start smoking?

Peer pressure

Adolescence can be a confusing time, when young people are faced with new feelings and situations, and often find support in their group of friends. However, the environment is not always beneficial. From the desire to integrate more easily, to prove that they are mature enough to make their own decisions or even to rebel against certain prohibitions, young people end up trying their first cigarette. Many take up smoking out of curiosity or because it’s a common thing in their circle of friends, while girls see smoking as a way to lose weight.

Find out why he started smoking

It is impossible to solve a problem without discovering the causes that led to its appearance. Your first reaction may be to punish him and forbid him to smoke, but he is unlikely to listen. Instead of getting mad at him, try to find out what made him go down this path. Was he curious to see what it was like? Or maybe it’s a common habit in his group of friends and he caved to the pressure. If you find out why he started smoking, you will know what advice to give him and how to guide him to get rid of this habit.

The power of example

You will have a hard time convincing a child that smoking is harmful as long as his parents are smokers. To quit smoking it is good to have an example in the family. You can also discuss how many times you have tried to quit the habit, how difficult it is for you as time goes by and nicotine addiction increases. You can give him examples of situations where smoking was an obstacle or when you faced health problems because of the addiction.

Help him to be aware of the dangers

Young people know that they are unlikely to experience conditions such as cancer, heart attack or stroke at this age, so the threat of disease will not make them quit smoking. All teenagers are concerned about their physical appearance, so you can refer to examples in this regard, such as the risk of yellowing of teeth and nails, bad breath or premature appearance of wrinkles. You can also make them aware of how expensive cigarettes are and what they can buy instead, for example clothes or the much-desired model of mobile phone.

Try to keep him busy

Teenagers tend to smoke when they are on break at school or when they are relaxing. Although you can’t supervise him all the time, at home you can give him tasks that will keep his hands busy and so he won’t have time to think about smoking. Another solution would be to encourage him to practice a sport that requires him physically. In addition to the fact that he will change his surroundings, he will learn to be more disciplined and give up cigarettes in the desire to be better and better. In addition, sports eliminate stress and help increase self-confidence.

Every child should know these first aid measures

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When your child is away from you, on a trip, a camp or other situation, it is good for him to know how to react when something unpredictable happens and he is injured or faces another health problem.

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From an early age, children must know first aid measures. Photo: Shutterstock

No matter how much you protect your child, you cannot be around him all the time, including when he might get hurt. That is why it is a good idea to teach him some basic first aid measures so that he can help himself, but also his siblings or colleagues. It may seem too small to you, but children learn very quickly. Explain to them when it is necessary to call the emergency service 112 and that they should not call if they do not have an emergency. Teach him to tell the operator what they need help for and where emergency personnel should come. To do this, help him remember at least his home address. For small household accidents, get him used to simple actions he can take to prevent complications.

Foreign body drowning

When the child or a colleague around him chokes on food or a foreign body, he must know that the first step is to try to cough, if he can breathe. In this way, it will remove itself what is blocking the breath. If he can’t, he doesn’t speak, he can’t cough or breathe and he’s alone, try to lean hard over the back of a chair or other piece of furniture, thus pressing the area between the navel and the end of the sternum. In the case of a colleague who drowned, it is necessary to apply 5 blows to the back, between the shoulder blades, with an open palm, using the bridge of the palm. These don’t work either? He must sit behind the colleague, with both arms around him, with a fist between the navel and the end of the sternum. Grab the fist with the other hand and make 5 sudden movements inwards, upwards. If it does not work even after 2-3 repetitions, you must call 112 for emergency help.

That’s how it stops bleeding!

In most wounds, bleeding is stopped by direct pressure. Can use a piece of clean cloth. If the wound is dirty, he will clean it with water, then he can apply a disinfectant and a bactericide in the form of ointment or powder. You could put at hand an ointment with hyaluronic acid that is useful not only in case of wounds, but also for irritations, scratches, burns, cuts.

How to treat a burn

If a burn does occur, teach the child to go and wash the area with cold water for 10 minutes or until the pain goes away. Does he have clothes stuck to the burned area? He must know that it is not advisable to try to peel them off. He will also avoid breaking the blisters, if they appear, putting ointments, other than special ones for burns, oil or leucoplast over the burn.

What to do in case of nosebleed

One of the situations that can scare a child is nosebleeds. Keep him in the loop with what he has to do so you won’t be taken by surprise. It will be necessary to tilt the head forward, so that the blood flows, while the child will hold the soft part of the nose with his fingers for 10 minutes. They don’t have to spit, blow their nose or cough, just hold the tissues to absorb the blood. If it doesn’t stop after 10 minutes, you can repeat the procedure 2 more times. After stopping the bleeding, he must know not to exert himself or blow his nose for several hours. In case the bleeding continues beyond half an hour, it is better to be seen by a doctor.

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86% of children between the ages of 9 and 18 could correctly perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), but the European Resuscitation Council recommends the age of 12 as the optimal age to start a course.

“First aid. Manual’, Litera Publishing House, 2013

“To perform CPR, place one hand in the center of the victim’s chest. Place the bridge of the other palm on top of the hand and by crossing your fingers, make sure the fingers are away from the ribs. Leaning over the victim’s chest, press vertically. Release the pressure without raising your hands. Perform 30 compressions at a rate of 100-200 compressions per minute. For artificial ventilation, tilt the victim’s head with one hand and lift his chin with two fingers of the other hand. Pinch the nostrils with your fingers to close them. Breathe in and blow air into the victim’s mouth. Give two more artificial ventilations. Repeat the cycle of 30 compressions followed by two ventilations. Continue until the emergency services arrive or until the victim shows signs of regaining consciousness.’

Read also: How obesity affects the brain of children and young people

How much iron do children need? Every parent should know

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Do you wonder why your child is always tired, has no appetite and is inattentive? These symptoms could be attributed to the lack of iron, an essential mineral for the health and development of the little ones.

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Babies are born with a reserve of iron, which is enough for them for the first 6 months of life. After that, children need 8 times more iron than adults to develop harmoniously. The lack of iron prevents oxygenation of body tissues, a process that affects vital functions and can cause health problems. Anemia is one of the conditions that children with iron deficiency suffer from.

The daily requirement of iron

On average, children need approx 7-10 mg of iron each day, depending on age. Therefore, children’s diet must be diversified and rich in foods that contain this mineral.

Age, required iron

0-6 months – 0.27 mg/day

7-12 months – 11 mg/day

1-3 years – 7 mg/day

4-8 years – 10 mg/day

9-13 years 8 mg/day

14-18 years – 11 mg/day (boys) and 15 mg/day (girls)

Iron sources

· Breast milk and iron-fortified milk powder

Beans, beets, tomatoes, spinach, broccoli, peas, sweet potatoes

· Dried fruits: figs, apricots, raisins, plums

· Whole grains

· Fatty fish

· Eggs

How much iron is in a spoonful of:

· egg – 0.38 mg

· chicken meat – 0.15 mg

· beef – 0.36 mg

· sweet potatoes – 0.10 mg

· broccoli – 0.09 mg

Problems caused by iron deficiency in children

· anemia

· pale skin

· nails that break easily

· fatigue

· lack of appetite

· tachycardia (acceleration of the heartbeat)

· cold hands and feet

· lack of concentration

· delay in the development of walking and speaking

INFO: Iron is better absorbed if it is combined with products rich in vitamin C.

Question: What benefits does iron bring to the child’s development process?

Answers Nicoleta Tupiță, nutrition specialist

Iron-rich foods add extra balance to the body’s development and help it face daily challenges. At the same time, the little one will improve his school performance, because iron is one of those minerals that contribute to the optimization of cognitive abilities.

Choosing a diet rich in food nutrients, adapted for each age stage that the child goes through, can prevent the onset of anemia and much more serious health problems.

Read also: What is good to eat if you have anemia. What is the iron requirement according to age

What tests are recommended during pregnancy?

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The birth of a newborn is a moment of joy for the whole family. From the moment the pregnancy is confirmed until the first contact with the baby, the expectant mother goes through a period full of challenges and transformations both physically and emotionally. The greatest fears during the nine months of pregnancy are related to the development and health of the fetus, but the health of the pregnant woman should not be neglected either. So, constant monitoring and performing some tests during pregnancy they are essential for the good development of the fetus and for the health of the mother.

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In the first trimester of pregnancy, to assess the health status of the expectant mother, the obstetrician may recommend blood and urine tests. They also help to detect possible diseases or infections with a possible impact on the development of the fetus and the evolution of the pregnancy. Blood group and Rh compatibility are also tested now. The first ultrasound of fetal morphology, which identifies possible chromosomal abnormalities of the fetus, is performed towards the end of this first trimester of pregnancy, followed by the double test.

Because important changes occur in the pregnant woman’s body, there is a risk of deficiencies, such as, for example, anemia. To prevent such situations or to correct them, the doctor may recommend repeating the usual blood tests and in second trimester of pregnancy. In order to detect a possible risk of fetal chromosomal abnormalities and neural tube defects, a fetal biometry ultrasound is performed, along with the triple test. Also in this trimester, the most important ultrasound during pregnancy is performed, respectively fetal morphology of the second trimester, which aims to identify potential malformations of the fetus. If there is any suspicion of chromosomal abnormality or infection, the pregnant woman will be recommended amniocentesis, followed by cytogenetic or bacteriological analysis of the amniotic fluid.

In the third trimester of pregnancy, the emotions grow even more, and the parents’ impatience to meet and hold their baby is to match. To make sure that everything is in order and that the birth occurs in safe conditions for both mother and fetus, without risk, the obstetrician may recommend a new set of routine tests. Collection of secretions from the cervix is ​​also extremely important, in order to rule out the presence of group B streptococcus, a bacterium that can cause serious complications if it is transmitted to the fetus during birth. This last trimester of pregnancy is characterized by much more frequent fetal biometry ultrasounds. These have the role of monitoring the normal development of the fetus and its positioning in the uterus.

After a careful monitoring of the pregnancy, to avoid any possible problems, it is recommended that the birth takes place in a full service maternityso that any issues that arise can be handled and resolved promptly and safely.

SANADOR Maternity welcomes future mothers with integrated maternity services, but also with a team of experienced doctors who make the experience of pregnancy and birth a pleasant one, and the joy of meeting the baby by the parents without unpleasant events. The Maternity of the SANADOR Clinical Hospital has a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit equipped with high-performance equipment, which provides vital support for the premature newborn and helps him adapt to extrauterine life, in conditions of maximum safety.

This summer, SANADOR Maternity offers you important discounts on birth packages. Learn more!